The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday declared a Code White Alert as Super Typhoon Inday entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), placing the country's health sector on heightened readiness for the storm's potential impact.

Inday, internationally named Bavi, entered the PAR early Wednesday morning.

Under the Code White Alert, the DOH Operations Center will remain on 24/7 alert to ensure the rapid deployment of health services to communities that may be affected.

The agency said it continues to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), local government units, and regional disaster response offices to ensure an immediate medical response if needed.

The DOH has also placed its personnel on standby to maintain the delivery of essential health services in areas expected to be affected by the typhoon.

A Code White Alert is a health preparedness measure that places doctors, nurses, specialists, and other medical personnel on standby while ensuring the availability of essential medicines, medical supplies, and equipment.

The alert is typically declared ahead of major holidays, national events, and severe weather disturbances to ensure hospitals and health facilities can respond quickly to emergencies.

Under the alert status, DOH hospitals and regional offices will continue monitoring the situation, while emergency rooms and operating theaters will maintain adequate stocks of medicines, equipment, and other critical medical supplies.